As soon as her husband had left, Jaratkaru, sorrowful yet resolute, went straight to her brother Vasuki and recounted to him all that had transpired. Hearing of this great misfortune, Vasuki, foremost among serpents, was overcome with even deeper dejection. He turned to his grieving sister and spoke gently, "You know, O gentle one, what must be done and the purpose for which you were given in marriage. If it is for the welfare of the serpents, then let your son be our hope. "He, endowed with extraordinary energy, will surely deliver us from the threat of the snake-sacrifice. This was declared long ago by the Grandsire himself, together with the gods. O fortunate sister, is there a child in your womb from that best of sages? I would not wish the efforts of that wise one to be in vain. Truly, it is not proper for me to question you about such a matter, but because it concerns the fate of our entire race, I have asked. "Knowing the great austerity of your husband and his difficult nature, I will never pursue him, lest he curse me. Tell me, gentle one, all that your husband has done, and remove from my heart this grievous thorn that has long troubled me." Thus addressed, Jaratkaru sought to console her distressed brother. "That great-souled, austere one was questioned by me for the sake of offspring. He answered, 'There is,' and then departed from me. Even among his own, I do not recall him ever speaking falsely; what he has spoken, O king, he will fulfill in due time. You need not be troubled, O serpent, regarding this matter. A son will be born to us, radiant as fire and the sun. "Having said this, my husband, rich in austerity, departed, O brother. Therefore, let this great sorrow that dwells in your heart be dispelled." Hearing these words, the king of serpents, Vasuki, was filled with great joy. He accepted his sister's assurance, saying, "So be it." With soothing words, gifts, and honor, Vasuki, the best of serpents, worshipped his own sister, who was of lovely form. Meanwhile, the embryo within Jaratkaru, endowed with great energy and brilliance, grew steadily, like the waxing moon in the bright fortnight. In due time, the sister of the serpent king gave birth to a boy, a child of divine appearance, who dispelled the fears of both his mother and uncle. He grew up in the house of the serpent king, and was taught the Vedas and their branches by Chyavana, the illustrious son of Bhrigu. Even as a boy, he observed vows and was endowed with intelligence, virtue, and all good qualities. His fame spread throughout the world as Astika. Because his father, while he was still in the womb, departed saying, "He exists," the boy became widely known by the name Astika. Even as a child, Astika remained in the house of the serpent king, moving about with unfathomable intelligence, carefully protected. As he grew, he delighted all the serpents, shining among them like the golden trident-bearing Lord of the gods. At this time, King Janamejaya, seeking to understand his father's fate, questioned his ministers about the journey of his father to heaven. "Tell me again in detail about this," he asked. The ministers, wise and righteous, replied to the king, describing the death of Parikshit. "You all know what happened to my father," Janamejaya said, "how that illustrious one met his end in due time. Having heard from you in full about my father's deeds, I will act rightly and never in a contrary manner." Thus questioned, the ministers spoke: "Hear, O king, about your great-souled father's conduct and how that lord of kings reached his end. Your father was righteous, great-souled, and a protector of his people. Listen now to how that great one lived. "He established the four orders in their proper duties and protected them. The king, a knower of righteousness, upheld dharma as if it were embodied itself. That illustrious one of incomparable valor protected the earth, the goddess, and had no enemies nor hatred for anyone. He was impartial to all beings, like the lord of creatures. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras all remained steadfast in their own duties. "Under his rule, all were well-disposed. He cared for widows, the helpless, the afflicted, and the poor. Among all beings, he was handsome, like another Soma; prosperous, strong, truthful, and firm in valor. In the science of archery, he was a disciple of Sharadvata, and he was also dear to Govinda. That illustrious one was beloved by all people. When the Kurus were destroyed, he begot a son on Uttara. From him was born Parikshit, the mighty son of Subhadra, skilled in royal duties and law, endowed with all virtues. "Self-controlled, steadfast, intelligent, devoted to righteousness, possessing great wisdom and mastery over the six inner enemies, he was foremost in the knowledge of statecraft. Your father protected these people for sixty years; then, meeting his destined end, he brought sorrow to all. "Then you, best of men, took up the path of righteousness. This kingdom of the Kuru line came to you for a thousand years, and you were crowned while still a boy, guardian of all beings.